Multi-level picture frame

ABSTRACT

A multi-level picture frame configured for providing a plurality of alternative display options for an article is provided. The frame comprises a back face; a tiered front face; an outer face; and a stepped inner face including a first stepped surface and a second stepped surface. The first stepped surface defines a first picture frame opening and the second stepped surface defines a second picture frame opening. First and second channels are defined in the first stepped surface, and a third channel is defined in the second stepped surface. A removable portion of the frame is selectively releasable from a remaining portion of the frame so that the article can be inserted into one of the first, second and third channels and positioned in the respective picture frame opening.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a multi-level picture frame configured for providing a plurality of alternative display options for an article; in particular, the frame includes a stepped inner face having three channels defined therein, wherein each of the channels are adapted to receive the article, and wherein a portion of frame is removable to allow the article to be inserted into one of the channels.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A traditional picture frame generally includes a rectangular frame portion typically constructed of wood, plastic, metal or glass. The rearward face of the frame is notched so as to secure the articles meant to be displayed within the frame. Typically, this notch has a depth sufficient enough to support a number of articles including a sheet of glass or plastic to protect the underlying artwork or photograph to be displayed, a border of matting to add a further decorative frame element to the artwork or photograph, the actual artwork or photograph, and finally an backing panel typically comprising a panel of cardboard or thin plywood. Each of these layers is held in place within the frame through use of clips or staples secured within the inner surface of the frame such that a portion of the clip or staple overlaps with the backing panel.

A second type of decorative hanging involves the use of a shadow box frame. Shadow box frames are constructed similarly to traditional frames, but include the addition of a side spacer to increase the depth of the sides of the frame and thus the depth of the display area. This increased depth allows for the display of thicker and/or three dimensional objects which may not be possible using traditional frames. However, the actual frame is constructed and the displaying of articles is the same whether the frame is a traditional frame or a shadow box frame in that the interior diameter edge of the frame has a lip which functions to support and contain the articles, with a backing panel used to secure the articles within the interior of the frame through use of clips and staples.

While each of the above-referenced types of frames are sufficient for displaying items in a desired format, each of these types of frames are not interchangeable with one another. Therefore, if for instance someone has a picture in a traditional picture frame and he wants to change its display format to a shadow box configuration, he must separately purchase a shadow box assembly in order to achieve this display. This is inconvenient and may discourage the desired change in format.

As such, there is a need for a frame assembly which provides the ability to assemble the frame and chosen display article in multiple display options, without the need for multiple types of frames. There is a further need to provide these features in an assembly that does not require the use of tools, or the bending of clips or staples to secure the displayed articles within the assembled frame. The present invention addresses these and other needs.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In general, the present invention is directed to a multi-level frame configured for providing a plurality of alternative display options for an article. In one aspect, the frame comprises a back face, a tiered front face, an outer face, and a stepped inner face including a first stepped surface and a second stepped surface. The first stepped surface defines a first picture opening and the second stepped surface defines a second picture opening. First and second channels are defined in the first stepped surface, and a third channel is defined in the second stepped surface. A removable portion of the frame is selectively releasable from a remaining portion of the frame so that the article can be inserted into one of the first, second and third channels and positioned in the respective picture opening. The multiple channels support the interchangeable arrangement of display articles including, but not limited to glass, matting, artwork or photographs, and stiffening or backing panels. These channels further obviate the need to provide clips or stables as the articles are secured within the confines of the channel and are not merely resting against a lip of the frame.

To ease construction of the frame assembly and provide for interchangeability of the displayed articles, e.g. swapping photographs or artwork as the seasons change, a removable portion of the frame is selectively releasable from a remaining portion of the frame. Thus, the framer can remove the removable portion of the frame, slide display articles out of, or into, the channels to create the desired display, then reconnect the removable portion to the remaining portion to reconstruct a completed frame.

Additional embodiments of the frame of the present invention include provision of a recess within the front face of the frame between the inner and outer faces. This recess enables the frame to create a shadow box effect wherein the frame elements themselves form the frame and side spacers in one unit thereby easing creation and assembly of a shadow box frame.

In another aspect, the frame may include at least three frame members, each of the at least three frame members being interconnectable with the other two frame members to define a picture opening. Each of the at least three frame members including a back face, a tiered front face, an outer face, and a stepped inner face. The stepped inner face includes a first step surface and a second step surface. First and second channels are defined in the first stepped surface, and a third channel is defined in the second stepped surface. One of the at least three frame members is a releasable frame member that is configured for being released from the other two frame members so that the article can be inserted into one of the first, second and third channels and positioned in the picture opening. The releasable frame member is configured for thereafter being reconnected to the other two frame members to form the frame.

Additional objects, advantages and novel features of the present invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and will in part become apparent to those in the practice of the invention, when considered with the attached figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings form a part of this specification and are to be read in conjunction therewith, wherein like reference numerals are employed to indicate like parts in the various views, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a front view of a picture frame according to an aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a top view of the picture frame shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a back view of the frame shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the frame shown in FIG. 1 having one of the brackets removed;

FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view taken along line 5A-5A in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a frame according to another aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the frame taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7A is a cross-sectional view of a first display option using a picture frame according to an aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view of a second display option using a picture frame according to another aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 7C is a cross-sectional view of a third display option using a picture frame according to another aspect of the present invention; and

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an alternative version of the frame shown in FIG. 1 showing a releasable portion of the frame detached from a remaining portion of the frame.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to the drawings in detail, and specifically to FIGS. 1-3, a multi-level picture frame according to one aspect of the present invention is generally designated as reference numeral 10. Frame 10 is configured for providing a plurality of alternative display options for an article within a picture frame opening 12 defined by frame 10. Articles that may be displayed within frame 10 may include, but are not limited to, photographs, glass, matting, artwork, and stiffening or backing panels. Frame 10 may generally comprise a first frame member 14, a second frame member 16, a third frame member 18, and a fourth frame member 20, each of which may interconnectable at adjacent ends to form a rectangular frame having an outer face 22 and an inner face 24. For example, each of the joined ends may form corners that are connected along mating mitered edges, such as mitered edges 26, 28. While frame 10 is shown and described as being rectangular-shaped, it should be understood that frame 10 may be constructed of at least three frame members to form any desired shape, such as, but not limited to, triangular, hexagonal or octagonal. In any desired arrangement, each frame member is configured such that inner face 24 includes at least one step so as to create a frame having a tiered front face 30. Frame 10 further includes a back face 32. With additional reference to FIG. 5A, a plurality of channels 34, 36, 38 are defined within the stepped inner face 24 for allowing an article to be slid therein for display in alternative positions within picture frame opening 12.

As best seen in FIG. 3, back face 32 of each of frame members 14, 16, 18, 20 may include one or more apertures 39 defined therein that are used to connect to a frame stand (not shown), or allow frame 10 to be hung on a wall using a hook or nail. Further, with reference to FIGS. 1 and 3, back face 32 may include one or more holes 41 defined in a ledge 43 that extends inwardly from inner face 24 each of frame members 14, 16, 18, 20. Frame 10 may include one or more brackets 45 a, 45 b that rest on ledge 43, wherein each of brackets 45 a, 45 b extend across two or more of frame members 14, 16, 18, 20 to connect the respective frame members to one another. For example, first bracket 45 a may rest on ledge 43 and extend across frame members 16, 18, 20. First bracket 45 a includes holes 47 a that correspond to the holes 41 a formed in ledge 43. A fastener, such as, for example, a screw, may be inserted into holes 41 a, 47 a to fasten bracket 45 a to frame members 16, 18, 20. Further, a second bracket 45 b may be used to connect frame members 14, 16, 20 to one another in a similar manner described above. It is also contemplated that a single bracket 45 be used to connect frame members 14, 16, 18, 20 to one another.

Frame 10 may further include a removable frame member that is selectively releasable from a remaining portion of frame 10 so that the article may be inserted into, or removed from, any one of channels 34, 36, 38 and positioned within picture frame opening 12. The removable frame member may be any of frame members 14, 16, 18, 20. For example, removable frame member may be first frame member 14 a that is releasably secured to respective ends of adjacent frame members 16, 20, wherein frame members 16, 18, 20 are the remaining portion of frame 10. Removable frame member 14 a is configured for being released from the remaining portion of the frame to permit access to channels 34, 36, 38 defined in stepped inner face 24. In order to remove frame member 14 a, the fasteners holding frame member 14 a to bracket 45 b (and therefore frame members 16, 20) are removed so that frame member 14 a can be disconnected from frame members 16, 18, 20. FIG. 4 shows bracket 45 b removed from frame 10. Once the article is positioned properly within the remaining portion of frame 10, removable frame member 14 a is re-secured to its adjacent frame members 16, 20 by reattaching bracket 45 b to frame member 14 a to construct frame 10 as shown in FIG. 1.

In another aspect, instead of using one or more brackets 45 to removably attach frame member 14 b, as best seen in FIG. 8, removable frame member 14 b may be releasably secured by another type of physical fastener such as a screw or nail, or cam lock fastener. In other embodiments removable frame member 14 b may be secured by a fastener which does not require the use of tools to remove and reattach removable frame member 14 b.

With continued reference to FIG. 8, removable frame member 14 b may include at least one first fastener 40 on each mitered face 26 which corresponds to, and releasably engages with, a corresponding second fastener 42 located on each of the mitered faces of each adjacent frame member, for example, mitered face 28 of frame member 16 a and mitered face 44 of frame member 20 a. Each of first and second fasteners 40 and 42 are aligned such that, upon securing the removable frame member 14 b to the remaining portion of frame 10, channels 34, 36, 38 each respectively form a continuous circuit along the entire inner face 24 of frame 10. Each of first and second fasteners 40, 42 may also be mated so as to eliminate, or at least minimize, any gap between adjacent mitered edges (e.g., edge 26 and edge 28 as shown in FIG. 1). In one aspect, first and second fasteners 40, 42 may be complementary magnets of sufficient strength to secure removable frame member 14 b to its adjacent members 16 a, 20 a while also allowing for detachment of the removable frame member 14 b without damaging the other frame members or the article(s) situated within frame 10. Alternative fasteners may include male/female counterparts wherein either the male or female half of the fastener is fixedly secured to the mitered edge of removable frame member 14 b, while the opposing half is secured to the mitered edge of the adjacent members. Examples of male/female fasteners include, but are not limited to a dowel/hole joint, post/snap connector, post/clip connector and hook-and-loop. Each mitered face may be adapted to have at least two fasteners so as to prevent or minimize any rotational turning of removable frame member 14 a when secured to its adjacent members.

As best seen in FIG. 5A, a cross-sectional view of a frame member is shown, wherein frame member 20 is provided as an example. Frame member 20 comprises outer face 22, inner face 24, front face 30 and back face 32. In one aspect of the present invention, inner face 24 is stepped to create at least two stepped surfaces 46, 48. When frame 10 is fully assembled with all frame members 14, 16, 18, 20, as shown in FIG. 1, first stepped surfaces 46 on all of the frame members define a first picture frame opening, and second stepped surfaces 48 on all of the frame members define a second picture frame opening. The second picture frame opening may have a larger, smaller, or an equivalent display area relative to the first picture frame opening. As best seen in FIG. 5A, frame member 20 may further include front face 30 that is tiered to form at least three tiered surfaces 50, 52, 54. Second stepped surface 48, in combination with bottom tiered surface 52 and a side wall 56, define a recess or well 58, thereby creating a frame member having a generally J-shaped cross-section. While recess 58 is shown in FIG. 5A as having straight sides meeting generally ninety-degree angles, recess 58 may be manufactured to display any desired profile, such as, but not limited to, a V-shape, dovetail, rounded, semi-circular, or ogee-groove. Recess 58 provides aesthetic appeal and may replace or augment matting situated within frame 10.

Inner face 24 is configured to define a plurality of channels, wherein one aspect of the present invention includes at least three channels 34, 36, 38. As best seen in FIGS. 5A and 6, inner face 24 has three channels defined therein, wherein first channel 34 and second channel 36 are defined in first stepped surface 46 and third channel 38 is defined in second stepped surface 48. In embodiments which incorporate recess 58, third channel 38 may be positioned above the height of first stepped surface 46. In some embodiments, distance X between first and second channels 34, 36 may be different than the distance Y between second and third channels 36, 38, for instance, distance X may be greater than distance Y. It should also be understood that distance X may be equal to distance Y. Each of channels 34, 36, 38 may be proportioned to have a width 60 between about one thirty-second of an inch ( 1/32″) and about one quarter inch (¼″), and more specifically, between about one sixteenth inch ( 1/16″) and about one eighth inch (⅛″), and a depth 62 between about one eighth inch (⅛″) and about one quarter inch (¼″).

In another aspect of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 5B, frame member 20′ may include inner face 30′ that is tiered to form two tiered surfaces 50′, 54, without including the recess 58 shown in FIG. 5A. In this aspect, side wall 56 is not included, tiered surface 50′ extends to stepped surface 48′, and bottom tiered surface 52 is not included. Frame member 20′ is similar to frame member 20 in all other respects.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a pair of opposing frame members 16, 20. As discussed above, each frame member includes first and second stepped surfaces 46, 48 which form first and second picture frame openings, respectively, of frame 10, while outer face 22 defines the outer perimeter of frame 10. Back faces 32 generally face rearward and rest against the wall when the frame 10 is displayed and hung. Opposing frame members 16, are vertically aligned such that first channels 34, second channels 36, and third channels 38 correspond with their respective counterparts thereby forming generally parallel planes 34, 66, 68, respectively, where each plane may be generally perpendicular to first and second stepped surfaces 46, 48. As discussed with regard to FIGS. 5A and 5B, in one aspect of the present invention, distance X between first and second channels 34, 36 (and therefore planes 64, 66) may be different than the distance Y between second and third channels 36, 38 (and therefore planes 66, 68).

Providing a plurality of planes 64, 66, 68 enable multiple display possibilities using the tiered picture frame of the present invention. FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 7C present cross-sectional views of exemplary display options for the presentation of an article. For example, FIG. 7A shows an exemplary display 100 of an article 102 having a limited view of frame elements (in this cross sectional view—frame elements 16, 20). Article 102 is proportioned to be secured within channel 38 of each frame element comprising the frame with only tiered surface 54, along with article 102, visible when viewed generally along the direction indicated by arrow A. Additional optional display items secured within channel 38 may include a protective sheet of glass or plastic 104 and/or matting 106. Channels 34, 36 may be unoccupied, although an optional backer 108 may be secured within channel 34 to provide additional structural support to the completed frame assembly or provide for a more aesthetic rearward display when frame assembly 100 is propped on a generally horizontal surface (e.g., a desk top or book shelf) rather than being hung on a wall.

FIG. 7B shows an alternative exemplary display 200 using a frame of the present invention. Display 200 features an article 202 secured within channel 36 such that each of tiered surfaces 50, 54, and bottom tiered surface 52 is visible when article 202 and frame 10 are generally viewed in the direction designated by arrow B. Article 202 may further be outlined by an optional matting border 206. Optional glass or plastic panel 204 may be secured with channel 38 thereby preventing physical touching of article 202 or to limit the collection of dust or other atmospheric contaminants from contacting article 202. An optional backer 208 may be secured within channel 34 to provide additional structural support to the completed frame 10 or provide for a more aesthetic rearward display when frame 10 is propped on a generally horizontal surface rather than being hung on a wall.

As best seen in FIG. 7C, display 300 shows an exemplary view of a shadow box-type display where an article 302 is secured in channel 34 when viewed generally in the direction designated by arrow C. Article 302 (or alternatively a backer 308) may further provide for the display of 3-dimensional objects such as objects 310, 312 as is customary in shadow box displays. Examples of objects 310, 312 may include an honorary flag awarded the family of a deceased veteran or a collection of military medals award to an armed forces veteran. As with the previous display examples 310, 312, article 302 (and optional objects 310, 312) may further be outlined by an optional matting border 306 secured within channel 36, and an optional glass or plastic panel 304 secured with channel 38 thereby preventing physical touching of the article and optional objects and limiting the collection of dust or other atmospheric contaminants contacting the article and optional objects.

It is further envisioned, for each of the display scenarios shown and described in FIGS. 7A-7C that an additional article of artwork or photograph may be secured within channel 34 when frame 10 is propped on a generally horizontal surface wherein the additional article is viewed from a rearward view (a view opposite in direction shown by arrows A, B or C). As the case with forward viewed articles, additional optional protective glass or plastic panels and matting may be employed with regard to the rearward display. In these examples, frame 10 may serve as a dual display frame with both forward and rearward facing displays.

Although the present invention has been described in considerable detail with reference to certain aspects thereof, other versions are possible. Therefore, the spirit and scope of the appended claims should not be limited to the description of the aspects contained herein.

All features disclosed in the specification, including the claims, abstract, and drawings, and all the steps in any method or process disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive. Each feature disclosed in the specification, including the claims, abstract, and drawings, can be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A multi-level picture frame configured for providing a plurality of alternative display options for an article, the frame comprising: a back face; a tiered front face; an outer face; and a stepped inner face including a first stepped surface and a second stepped surface, the first stepped surface defining a first picture frame opening and the second stepped surface defining a second picture frame opening, wherein first and second channels are defined in the first stepped surface, wherein a third channel is defined in the second stepped surface, and wherein a removable portion of the frame is selectively releasable from a remaining portion of the frame so that the article can be inserted into one of the first, second and third channels and positioned in the respective picture frame opening.
 2. The frame according to claim 1 wherein the second picture frame opening is greater than the first picture frame opening.
 3. The frame according to claim 1 wherein the removable portion of the frame is selectively releasably connected to the remaining portion of the frame by at least one of a screw, a nail, a cam lock, a magnet, dowel/hole joint, post/snap connector, post/clip connector, and hook-and-loop fastener.
 4. The frame according to claim 1 wherein the removable portion of the frame is selectively releasably connected to the remaining portion of the frame by a bracket.
 5. The frame according to claim 4 wherein the bracket is positioned between the article and the frame.
 6. The frame according to claim 1 wherein the tiered front face further includes a recess between the third channel and the second channel.
 7. The frame according to claim 1 wherein the distance between the first and second channels is different than the distance between the second and third channels.
 8. The frame according to claim 7 wherein the distance between the first and second channels is greater than the distance between the second and third channels.
 9. The frame according to claim 1 wherein a cross-section of the frame is generally J-shaped.
 10. The frame according to claim 1 wherein the frame is rectangular shaped.
 11. A multi-level picture frame configured for providing a plurality of alternative display options for an article, the frame comprising: at least three frame members, each of the at least three frame members being interconnectable with the other two frame members to define a picture frame opening, each of the at least three frame members include a back face, a tiered front face, an outer face, and a stepped inner face, the stepped inner face including a first step surface and a second step surface, wherein first and second channels are defined in the first stepped surface, wherein a third channel is defined in the second stepped surface, and wherein one of the at least three frame members is a removable frame member that is configured for being released from the other two frame members so that the article can be inserted into one of the first, second and third channels and positioned in the picture frame opening, the removable frame member configured for thereafter being reconnected to the other two frame members to form the frame.
 12. The frame according to claim 11 wherein the removable frame member is releasably connected to the other two frame members by at least one of a bracket, a screw, a nail, a cam lock, a magnet, dowel/hole joint, post/snap connector, post/clip connector, and hook-and-loop fastener.
 13. The frame according to claim 11 wherein the tiered front face further includes a recess between the third channel and the second channel.
 14. The frame according to claim 11 wherein the distance between the first and second channels is different than the distance between the second and third channels.
 15. The frame according to claim 14 wherein the distance between the first and second channels is greater than the distance between the second and third channels.
 16. The frame according to claim 11 wherein the picture frame opening defined by the second stepped surface is greater than the picture frame opening defined by the first stepped surface.
 17. The frame according to claim 11 wherein a cross-section of the at least three frame members is generally J-shaped.
 18. The frame according to claim 11 wherein the at least three frame members includes a first frame member, a second frame member, a third frame member, and a fourth frame member, and wherein the first, second, third, and fourth frame members are interconnectable to form a rectangular or square frame.
 19. The frame according to claim 18 wherein the first frame member is parallel with the third frame member, the second frame member is parallel with the fourth frame member, wherein the second frame member is connected to the first and third frame members, and wherein the fourth frame member is releasably connected to the first and third frame members.
 20. The frame according to claim 19 wherein the fourth frame member is releasably connected to the first and third frame members by at least one of a screw, a nail, a cam lock, a magnet, dowel/hole joint, post/snap connector, post/clip connector, and hook-and-loop fastener.
 21. The frame according to claim 18 wherein the fourth frame member is releasably connected to the first and third frame members by a first bracket, and wherein the second frame member is connected to the first and third frame members by a second bracket.
 22. The frame according to claim 18 wherein a cross-section of the first frame member, the second frame member, the third frame member, and the fourth frame member is generally J-shaped. 